Christmas is one of our favourite times of year but it can also be the most stressful. Especially when on a tight budget. There’s the decorating to think of, then food prep, the gift buying, the entertaining, the list goes on. The good news is that there are some simple ways you can save money but still give your decorating that wow factor. Here’s how:

Make your own wreath

Let your festive spirit start at the front door with a homemade wreath. There are plenty of ideas on Pinterest which will help you to create your own. They all range from Martha Stewart’s button wreath, to using a variety of baubles, to using paint colour cards from the DIY store. There are so many wonderful ways to create your own decoration at a fraction of the cost of a store bought one.

Dress the house, own the theme

Christmas is not a time to do things lightly. It’s a time for over-indulgence and commitment. Therefore, costumes should be a part of your theme, especially if you have young children. Don a santa suit and fill their stockings, or grab some very tacky Christmas jumpers. We don’t have the traditional Christmas weather but we can certainly make up for it with spirit.

Don’t have a chimney or fireplace? Make one.

Create your own fireplace to hang your stockings and leave your snacks for Santa and Rudolph. All you need is some cardboard boxes, paper, red paint, and masking tape. The result is magical.

Have a little fun

Inject a little playfulness into your decorating style by using existing features as a backdrop. Turn your fridge, or white doors into Frosty the Snowman using coloured card and Bluetack. Or create a snow slide for your toy penguins and Santas using cotton wall, some fairy lights, and your bannister.

Start an inexpensive family tradition

Christmas is about family and nothing brings a family closer together than some solid family traditions. It makes the event special for you and your loved ones. The best thing is they don’t have to be expensive. Countdown the 12 days of Christmas by wrapping 12 of your already owned books or DVDs (with a Christmas theme of course). Unwrap one each day to build the excitement. Other ideas are to go on a hunt for the best Christmas light displays, write a letter to a soldier, put together a night before Christmas box.

Start thinking about decorating on Boxing Day

We know you may feel a bit over it by now but by thinking about next year early, you’ll be able to take advantage of all the decorations on sale. After Christmas sales are the best time to find Christmas bits at a heavily reduced price. People may think you’re crazy but we know you’re savvy.

Article provided by Blossom Costumes